The new look 2025 Sydney Boat Show has reported more than 23,500 attendees and more than 400 boats on display at its new location of Sydney Olympic Park.
The four day show received strong industry backing for the revised format say organisers, delivering a ‘broad showcase of vessels, products and accessories whilst opening new opportunities’.
The new venue saw more than 130 exhibitors, 400 boats, and a wide range of equipment and accessories with more than 16 new products launched including four world debuts.
“The roll out and response to the new format has been very encouraging but the show has only been possible through strong collaboration between exhibitors, industry, partners and sponsors to ensure a unified approach that benefits both the sector and the public,” said Boating Industry Association (BIA) president Adam Smith.
By 2030 it is predicted Australia will have six million people boating in a wide range of boats and watercraft.
Adam Smith
“People engage with the marine lifestyle in so many different ways but across the board it is essential their experience is a positive one, guided by the right knowledge and expertise to ensure they have a positive experience.”
He continued: “By 2030 it is predicted Australia will have six million people boating in a wide range of boats and watercraft, more than one million registered boats and $20bn spent annually on boating and related activities, further underscoring the fact that boating matters.”
Alongside the show, the BIA also launched the National Recreational Boating Statement which forecasts industry participation and growth over the next five years, and also hosted the inaugural Outdoor Recreation Round Table.
Broader markets
This bought together representatives from a range of outdoor sectors including boating, fishing, sailing, paddling, 4WD, caravan and camping and tourism.
The move to Sydney Olympic Park was to enable the event to open up access to broader markets across Greater Sydney and regional New South Wales.
The show is the first of two major events under the BIA’s new dual-format strategy. The second, the Sydney International On-Water Boat Show, will take place at Darling Harbour in November 2025.
